Florida Window Tint Laws
Florida allows 28% VLT on front side windows; cars may go to 15% and SUVs, vans and pickups to 6% on rear side windows and the rear window.
Florida Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Florida Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Florida vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 28% | 28% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 15% | 6% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 15% | 6% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Florida
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Florida Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if the rear window is not transparent.
Prohibited Tint Colors
The statute lists no banned colors; it bans color-altering materials except films that meet the limits.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The installer or seller must place a non-removable vinyl label on the inside of the driver's door frame, with the film's trade name and the business name. Not required for factory glass.
Medical Tint Exemptions
FLHSMV certificate for lupus, autoimmune diseases or other conditions that require limiting light. Allows tinting the windshield, front and rear windows beyond the limits. It is tied to the vehicle (with a sticker number) and is not transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Florida? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Florida, front side windows must allow at least 28% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 15%, and the rear window requires 15%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 6%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Florida? +
Under Florida law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Florida? +
While law enforcement in Florida enforces the state vehicle code (Fla. Stat. §§316.2951–316.2957 (fine: §318.18)), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Florida? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Florida because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 28% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Florida, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Florida statutes recognize a ±3% on all measurements (§316.2955(2)). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Florida allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Florida permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Florida? +
Yes. Florida statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Florida? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Florida
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
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